The Public Administration Bureau: a scriptural analysis
Introduction
The buildings numbered 10, 11 and 12 in the plat are together entitled the “House of the Lord, for the Presidency of the High and most Holy Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of the Son of God, upon Mount Zion, City of the New Jerusalem.” In the context of the community, these three buildings form the Public Administration Bureau, with its 3 agencies being Communication (10), Bylaws (11), and Public relations (12). This paper aims to analyze the scriptural basis for this designation, with sources from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and the details in the Plat and Building Design document.
The duties of this bureau are founded in the scriptural logic of the role of the order of Melchizedek, as well as the meanings of the terms “House of the Lord” and its place in each of the individual communities that are part of the “New Jerusalem” of the Latter-days.
Scriptural background
The scriptural background covered here will cover the usage and functions of the Melchizedek priesthood in the bible and in the restored church, the definitions of the House of the Lord, and their place in the City of New Jerusalem. The holder of the Melchizedek priesthood is seen as one who formulates the role for others to follow and guides them as they do so. Additionally, the priesthood communicates both the rules that the community lives by, as well as other information that it (the priesthood) deems useful for the community. These roles and the accompanying capacity also mean it is best placed to set public relations engagements both within the community and beyond.
In the Bible, the first mention of Melchizedek is in Genesis 14:18, where Abram, having successfully rescued his brother Lot from captivity is blessed by Melchizedek, the King of (Jeru) Salem, “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” Besides having temporal rights as the king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek was a priest, who was able to bless, and as the king, the authority to maintain law and order in the city. For his blessings and assistance, Abram gives Melchizedek tithes of his spoils of the raid on his enemies.
David, the King promised to have an everlasting kingdom through Christ, where he will rule throughout Zion, and the people will acquiescence to his authority. In Psalm 110:4, “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” He will rule over kings, and be the custodian of justice. He will punish transgressors.
The New Testament also contains references of Christ as being a holder of Melchizedek priesthood. Hebrews 5:9 says that “and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all of them that obey him…”
The Book of Mormon, Melchizedek is mentioned in Alma 13:14-15, as the high priest of old, who guided the people to be humble and productive in their work. It is for these reasons that Abraham gave his tithes to Melchizedek, “And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed.”
The biggest emphasis on the Melchizedek is be found in Doctrines and Covenants. Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith were ordained as holders of the Melchizedek priesthood, which was held by the Apostles, as indicated in D&C 13. In D&C 124, the Melchizedek priesthood is expressly associated with Jesus Christ, as seen in 124:123, “Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging to my priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the priesthood which is after the order of Melchizedek, which is after the order of mine Only Begotten Son.”
D&C 107 further illustrates the reasons why the High Priesthood has a special place as far as communication is concerned. In particular, D&C 107:92 says, “92 Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.”
In the LDS Church context, the visualization of the future city of Zion cannot be complete without mention of Enoch, the father of Methuselah. Enoch founded a city so perfect, that the entire city and its members were whisked off to heaven, as described in D&C38:4 “I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the father for them.” Enoch was a high priest. He occupies the same position as Melchizedek, as seen in D&C 76:57: “…after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.”
Zion is also the city of David. It is a city which was so well defended not only by men but also by physical features, being surrounded by mountains. It is set upon a holy hill, and the deeds of its people, coupled with the grace of God sees it prosper and not fall into ruin. David, as an ancestor of Jesus, is a holder of the Melchizedek priesthood, and the ruler of Zion. The community is supported and defended by among other things, bylaws and a public policy approach, which strengthens its institutions and those who live within it.
The role of the Melchizedek priesthood in communication, setting policy and related functions is buttressed by the discourses of President Wilford Woodruff, who says that the priesthood is a “channel through which God communicates with man” and the most important ingredient in man’s quest for everlasting life. The holy priesthood is the receptor of revelations that in the first place begot the church, and whose practice thereafter guaranteed its survival and thriving.
Main terms
| Term/Phrase | Origin | Definition | Modern Business Application |
| Presidency | Latin – praesident (meaning “sitting before”) | It has various meanings, from sacrament celebrant in some churches ,an executive head of a country, company or university | In the context of the community, refers to a facilitator, rather than an executive – therefore sitting before. By extension, the presidency of the high and most holy priesthood implies the division/ bureau which facilitates others achieve their objectives |
| order of the son of God | Another definition of Melchizedek priesthood, according to D&C 107:2-4. | So named (Melchizedek) to avoid “vain” references to God | |
| City of the new Jerusalem | An aspired community of based on the plat and building design, and accompanying scriptures | The ideal community that will be formed because of implementation of the plat and building design in the modern world. The community will strive to interpret the original plat intentions using modern business settings and capabilities |